Republic of Ireland v Sweden Match of the Day Live

# Je revois la ville en fete et en delire

# Suffoquant sous le soleil et sous la joie

# Et j'entends dans la musique les cris, les rires

# Qui eclatent et rebondissent autour de moi

# Emportes par la foule qui nous traine

# Emportes par la foule qui nous traine

# Emportes par la foule qui nous traine

It really was a topsy-turvy qualifying campaign and for a while

it looked quite dodgy, prospect of popping the champagne. We sort of

protest against Scotland but we rose majestically against Germany. A

place in the play-off, we would take one of those. The away draw and the

infamous fog they with a fantastic chance and the bigotry in the Aviva,

we couldn't believe it, we were heading to France. -- victory. It

was always going to be tough, the Italians, the Belgium, Sweden,

visualising a gorgeous Parisian pitch, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, our

midfield busting a gut passing from box to box, our strikers...

Come on come Ireland, come on come you boys in green, here we go, here

we grow. John Cummins with the word on how

the Republic of Ireland qualified for Euro 2016 and it might have been

through the play-offs but they are here and ready to go. They lost all

three games four years ago so we'll be looking to get a better account

this time around. Martin O'Neill's team are in a tough group alongside

Belgium, Italy and today's opponents, Sweden. And their main

man is once again slap an Ibrahimovic and all eyes will be on

the charismatic striker. -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He will carry the hopes

of his country on his broad shoulders. Hello and welcome to

Paris. A warm welcome to Kevin Kilbane, 110 caps for Ireland, Alan

Shearer and Danny Murphy who I guess must have some Irish in you with

that maim! You're right, my dad and his family came over from Cork. I

have a soft spot for the boys in green. I will have a pint of

Guinness! Kerrin, let's start with you, for years ago they lost all

three games -- Kevin. It should be different. I expect so. It was a

poor showing. The standard was very poor and we never got going

throughout. That first game against Croatia killed the tournament off

but we are all looking for a better performance. A good start is vital

and what a partnership between Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane, Martin

O'Neill described it as bad cop and bad bad cop. They say that opposites

attract and they are as opposite as they come. We know about Martyn

Bernard Roy's bark is worse than his bite!

Ibrahimovic is always the start for Sweden but there is more to them

than that. They have pace and flair on the left with Martin Olsson who

loves to go forward and Forsberg comes in off the left and leaves him

space. It is not just about Zlatan but we are looking forward to seeing

him. This is how the teams line up. Darren Randolph has been a regular

for them in the last six months and he will win his 10th cap. We can

expect plenty of attacking runs from Coleman and Brady.

Wes Hoolahan will be at the tip of what we think will be a diamond.

Walters is fit despite a recent groin problem and he partners Shane

Long. For Sweden, the former Manchester City keeper Isaksson is

taking part in the sixth major tournament for his country and he

will retire from international duty this summer. Lindelof starts despite

only winning his first cap in March. Kallstrom provides experience in

midfield. Forsberg scored in the play-off against Denmark. Interim

image as failed to score in his last three games against the Republic of

Ireland while Berg has been in good form in Greek football. We can get

the thought of Martin O'Neill. How big a bonus to have Jonathan Walters

available? It is a big bonus. It was looking touch and go a few days ago

but he has come through and he is naturally fit anyway. The bit of

training that he has lost in the last few days, I hope it will not

bother him. How important is it to not just focus on Zlatan Ibrahimovic

but on the Swedish side collectively? I think collectively

the Swedish team have been big players, you know what they are all

about, they seem to qualify for competitions. I accept the fact that

Ibrahimovic is their talisman but they do have players, it is not a

one-man show. This match takes place at the Stade de France which posted

the opening game of the tournament on Friday night. It is in the north

of Paris and a full house of 80,000 is expected the -- for the game.

Another noisy night expected here and Mark Lawrenson, we have seen the

teams and how Ireland will set up. What do you make of it? They will be

very competitive and if you look at them, no real outstanding players,

it is the sum of their parts. And the games we have watched so far,

the referees have let it go on and made it quite physical and that will

suit Ireland. There have been some injury problems in the build-up,

concerns over the likes of Jonathan Walters and James McCarthy. Do you

envisage that being a problem tonight or further in the tournament

if you look that far ahead? I don't think you can look that far ahead

and you can make three substitutions but Walters is crucial Ulster to

play alongside Shane Long and take off some pressure, it is an

adventurous team from Martin O'Neill so that is very positive. The last

time here in the Stade de France, I'm not sure any Irish person wants

to remember! Hopefully not heartache this time around. It is a massive

game, the last time they were undone by the Thierry Henry and ball but we

like him now because he is working for us! But I'm looking at the

group, it is imperative Ireland get something from the game today. All

very noisy here with the Irish fans in good voice and this should be a

cracker. They have been in good voice for the last few days in Paris

and good form. What is the key to Martin's line? You mentioned the

attacking full-backs. When we have worked with that diamond, we are

looking to Coleman and Brady, they are the key players and it could be

a set piece. Robbie Brady is outstanding with his delivery. We

had Shane Long and what is up front but you think Walters will drop in?

He plays at times like a false forward. He works back so there is

flexibility in the system to play with a diamond going forward but out

of position it goes into a five. What are they like in the dressing

room, those two together? The lads have taken what Roy has served on

board. You would, wouldn't you! I think Martin O'Neill, about a year

ago, we saw him suited and booted, he had a different demeanour. Then

he put the tracksuit on and I think that galvanised the side, he became

the Martin O'Neill at old. The team seem to draw off that and the recent

results have been outstanding. They will need team spirit and

togetherness. Absolutely. We said that Ireland will look to this to

make a great start because of the other teams in the group, Belgium

and Italy. Sweden will be thinking the exact same thing. Mark Lawrenson

touched on it, no real superstar names but they rely on the team

spirit that got them there in the first place. A few strong words from

Roy Keane before the tournament, will that fire them up? Most of them

expect that type of thing from him so I don't envisage it causing too

many problems. You have your own job to do, it is your own self pride and

self worth that makes you perform to the top of your game, not the

assistant manager. I hope the date they don't worry about how pretty

they look, if you are playing those two upfront, picked it up there and

play to your strengths. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is Sweden's record

goal-scorer and could be the first man to score at four different

European Championships. There is talk he might grace the Premier

League next season and if he does, this is what we will be getting.

When they saw me, they saw the player that was different from the

others. Why we like everybody else? That is brilliant! Zlatan

He had to change his style but I saw from the start very talented

football player. He can do everything. He is really good in the

air, he can score goals, one of the best players I believe in the last

20 years. You look at everybody who he has played for, Inter Milan, AC

Milan, Barcelona, Paris, he has done many amazing things. I have been

dominating wherever I go. You can compare him to Ronaldo, the same

winning mentality. I have to have that confidence, my football talks

for me. Ibrahimovic with the sweetest strike. His self belief is

unbelievable. He is a strong character and when it is not going

well, not what he likes, he can make it difficult for the rest of the

people, even for himself. You should never judge a person if you don't

know him. I have a big heart. Sometimes he can seem arrogant but

it is not the case. The legend can still deliver. I had a lot of fun

with him. He said, I arrive at the King and I leave at a legend! It is

the star artist of Swedish football... For the Swedish national

team he is the best player ever. He is the biggest star we have but it's

important for us do have a good team spirit and the team needs to work

and be but maybe don't get the credit and the hard work to create

the space. It is important the whole squad works together. If he is doing

well then we have a chance, if he's not doing well, it will be tough for

us. What he achieved in football is

outstanding. There will not come second Zlatan. I feel very

confident, I go in this tournament I feel mentally very strong and I come

here to enjoy. When I quit football I will understand what I have done.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, if he'd just had a bit more confidence! I don't mind

it, the arrogance. If you have the ability and you have achieved what

he has, you can talk like that. The problem is when people talk and they

don't have his ability or his achievements and he said you should

never judge a person if you don't know him. I'm going to judge him,

he's fantastic. The career he has had and the goals he has scored, 34

years of age now. Here's a better than one in two record at

international level will stop 50 goals this season so he is not

slowing down. He can do everything. He has won trophies wherever he has

been so he can talk himself up as much as he wants. A lot of talk

about him possibly going to Treve, would that be good for him and the

Premier League and Manchester United? -- going to Treve. It would

be good all round -- to Manchester United. You can only look at

somebody's form with injuries but 50 goals last season, his best season

ever so he's not slowing up. The onus will be on Glenn Whelan. He

will take the responsibility, he does that well, he shields the ball

well. People try to cut off the supply line. Like him? I do. One

thing he deserves credit for is how he looks after himself, because to

perform at that level at 34, he is doing something right. That is

tremendous. He has all of the money and trophies, to keep going,

fantastic. Like Cristiano Ronaldo can tomorrow, to be able to have

scored in four European Championships is remarkable.

Some decent names on there, and Alan Shearer! Maybe he will not score! I

don't know if you remember... Where is your name? I only scored one! Ten

years ago we were working with Martin O'Neill, he would not have

him. He said he was the most overrated player he had seen. They

are not a one-man team. They will be organised, disciplined. It is a

rigid 4-4- two. He made the difference in the play-off, he is

top class. If he is crucial to Sweden, the Republic of Ireland are

going through a change up front. Robbie Keane was first choice, but

recently the spot has been taken by Southampton's Shane Long.

Shane Long. Looks very promising. The kind of goal you dream of,

against the world champions. Everybody talks about the goal. It

was amazing to be part of that night, hopefully I can get a few

more. Why are you in the form of your life? It is playing 90 minutes

each week. Ronald Koeman has given me the chance to keep weighing. I

feel better and confident, and hopefully I can continue. He is

playing with a lot of confidence, scoring a lot of goals, playing each

week at club level, and here at international level. It described

for us to have a confident Shane Long. I will make sure I am in the

best condition possible to do a job. You may have to try and share the

goals around a little bit. A 27-year-old Robbie Keane would do

nicely, but unfortunately he is in his mid-30s, but is still useful. I

remember Robbie Keane scoring 14 years ago. I would have been 13. He

is still here, he is such a big influence. There are goals left in

me, I have been doing it since I was 17, and I have continued to do it

and been consistent. I am fairly confident in my ability, when given

the opportunity, to do the best for the team, but if there is a chance,

hopefully I will take it. The first game is a big game for how we do in

the group stages. I am sure Sweden are thinking the same thing. We will

approach it right, we will have our homework done, it is a great chance

for us to put a stamp on the tournament, and we can get out of

the group stages. You a fan of Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Not any more!

He has had a good season at Southampton. He offers a threat.

Yes. Martin did not trust him to begin with, a lot of his work was

coming off the bench. He has not been prolific in his career. He has

had a good season, the only scored 13 this season, ten in the league,

the first time he has been in double figures. He has only started two

qualifying games, but Martin Knight trusts him, he offers them threat

and pace, they can do that. If they are going to progress, he is going

to have to do this. He has definitely got better as the season

has gone on, he seems to be getting more mature. He is in form, and he

will have confidence, that is what they will need. He will also rely on

service, and much of that is from the full-backs, getting into the

wide areas. Yes, especially Robbie Brady. He was generally a winger at

Manchester United, and he played number ten, very creative. Now he is

playing full-back. A lot of the stuff we see here is him going

forward. I am a lover of end product, he always puts the ball in

good areas, he can shoot with both feet, and so many of their chances

come from his left foot, whether he is crossing in, or his set plays. I

did a report on them last season, he was the star man on the night. He

has got the extra bit of quality that you need. His performance today

will be crucial, especially from set pieces, because they have some big

lads and he gives them a real threat. On the other side they have

Seamus Coleman, who goes up and down. A big admirer. He had a few

problems with his hamstring last season, we did not see the best of

him, in a poor Everton side. Martin O'Neill relies on him to get

forward, get into wide areas, and he has an eye for goal. He generally

finishes quite well. Martin O'Neill recognises his strength and he wants

him to get into positions. Invariably he will drive at you, he

can win penalties and free kicks, and perhaps that is when Robbie

Brady comes in. He have to provide the assists. That is what he gives

you time and time again. When you have Wes Hoolahan, he can pick

Seamus Coleman out. It is a big threat that Ireland possess. There

he is, the Irish players on the pitch, warming up, not long to wait.

We talked about Wes Hoolahan in terms of creativity, that is

important for Ireland,... He can do both. Bernie mentioned playing to

their strengths, I agree, that he will be able to create. There is no

harm in getting people and knocking it long, because when you have his

pace and his creativity, get it into him, why not? He can turn and play

and use Shane Long's pace. Wes Hoolahan is prepared to have five,

six, seven touches, when they have been under pressure, he is prepared

to take it. Between him and Robbie Brady for Norwich last season, over

100 chances were created. That is where their supply line came from.

They provide so much for Ireland as well. He is a very creative player,

I am pleased to see him in the line-up, I am sure most Irish fans

will be. Have they got what it takes to get through the group stage? It

is a tough group. Today is crucial. The result today will come if they

have a good performance, but I have a good feeling. It is a positive

line-up, creativity, power, pace. If they get three points today, I would

say that they will get through, because I can see them getting a

point, you know their spirit, they can get a point from one of their

next games. Is it good to play the weaker side on paper first? We spoke

about the Group 4 years ago, playing against Croatia, they would get

three points, but they dominated. This is the big chance, don't lose,

but a chance to win. If you can keep that man quiet, you have a chance.

It is the Republic of Ireland against Sweden. The commentators,

Mark Lawrenson and Jonathan Pearce. I was there in struck Gartner, 1988,

when they opened the finals with the victory over England, wild

celebrations that night, and what a party there will be in Paris if they

can get the winning start to night. You have been to the Irish bars,

lots of you out there around the world, from Shannon to Shanghai in

those bars now, absolutely packed. Roy Keane hates the booze mentality

of yesteryear. The Irish coach and the wily old fan of crime fiction

Martin O'Neill will have their own plot lines drawn up to starch the

arch villain Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ireland's task to usurp a monarch. I

came as a king and left as a legend, he said of his time at Paris St

Germain, which ended three weeks ago after he came out from that tunnel

here and scored two goals in the French cup final. You cannot

criticise a God, screamed the headline. It is ego against team

ethic, it is footballing mobility against the game's working classes.

Paris has always loved the rich perfume of revolution. The Irish

fans believe. They have turned part of the stadium into the Emerald

city. The Swedes have their own yellow Brick Road. Terrific

atmosphere. Even better than it was for the opening game the other

night. # Du gamla, Du fria,

Du fjallhoga nord # Jag halsar Dig,

vanaste land uppa jord # Din sol, Din himmel,

Dina angder grona # Du tronar pa minnen

fran fornstora dar # Da arat Ditt namn

flog over jorden # Jag vet att Du ar

och Du blir vad du var # Ja, jag vill leva

jag vill do i Norden #. Sunk with gusto, we have heard the

Swedish anthem over many years. The Irish fans were treated to the field

of them right, they gave it a great rendition. Here is their anthem.

# Sinne Fianna Fail ata fao gheall ag Eirinn

# Buion dar slua thar toinn do rainig chughainn

# Faoi mhoid bheith saor Seantir ar sinsear feasta

# Ni fhagfar faoin tioran na faoin traill

# Le gean ar Ghaeil chun bais no saoil

# Le gunna screach faoi lamhach na bpilear

# Seo libh canaidh amhran na bhfiann. #

The great, the good, the bearded, the bellicose, all giving a great

rendition. The soldier's song, what a privilege it is to be here, it is

very special. The Irish fans around the world have always made their

games a celebration. Their captain, what a proud night for him. They are

all fit, which is so important. Talking all the week of getting a

crucial good start, James McCarthy and Jonathan Walters in the line-up,

Ciaran Clark alongside John O'Shea. Jonathan Walters will to work along

the right-hand side. A 20 month wait for an international goal could end.

The hard running front pair, Shane Long is in the form of his life,

says Martin O'Neill. The referee took the Irish defeat to Scotland

during qualifying. The Serbian. John O'Shea and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the

captains. Talking about the Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 50 goals this season,

55 in 57 for club and country, and in his career A764, 421 goals.

Astounding, really. It is so difficult not to attack Sweden as a

one-man team, since 2012 they have not won a competitive match when he

has not scored or created a goal. Marcus Berg is alongside him. Martin

Olsson and Sebastian Larsson will know the Irish players well. It is

only Victor Lindelof's fourth International. Shane Long could

intimidate him. Off the bench, will Ireland see Robbie Keane?

The talismanic record goal-scorer and crucially, fit. Here we go, Mark

Lawrenson, what are you feeling right now as Sweden in the yellow

and blue prepared to get as underweight? I think Ireland will

leave nothing on this pitch. They may lack a bit of quality in certain

positions but they will work so hard to stop Sweden playing. They are up

against a team of giants, Sweden have so many players six foot two or

three or more and they will look for those big diagonals to get the

full-backs up. Lustig down the right-hand side straightaway. Bright

sunshine in Paris, it has been a bit cold in the last 24 hours. Sweden

kicking from right to left. The big fella has shifted. Ireland

looking for Long but Lindelof is with him. He almost joined

Middlesbrough in January. Clark was a bit late according to the Swedish

fans. In all the games, the referees have let it roll, I thought that was

a foul. Back to Hoolahan, Whelan. You know what you will get with

Glenn Whelan, 100% every game. They have got a free kick now. Robbie

Brady drew the challenge. That was a foul. Absolutely. Larson macro was

the defender. Preparing to take this free kick.

This is one of the reasons he is in the team. They have a big presence

inside the penalty area. A decent header away. We learn. -- Whelan.

Just too far for Walters to stretch, does not want to stretch that

Achilles too early. He has been in great form. Hoolahan was in a great

position. He just didn't spot him. Remarkable character, Martin

O'Neill. Incredibly intelligent man and just so vibrant. He will have

ants in his pants down in that dugout, that is for sure. That is

easy for Seamus Coleman. He was beaten in the semifinals

domestic league last season. The three goal-scorers against Wales in

the warm up, that is Kallstrom who had that spell at Arsenal. Granqvist

and Lindelof are giants, aren't they? Granqvist is six foot three.

He had a little spell in English football with Wigan. Ibrahimovic,

shortly to come to England, they say. Forsberg, he is a good player.

Skipping Ibrahimovic. We saw him play many times for PSG in the last

two or three years, he disappears out of games and suddenly strikes.

That is out playing. -- out of play. Erik Hamren has not been the

brightest in the Europe, he said he still dreams of winning a medal with

Sweden. He says they won't make it to the round of 16! Fighting talk

from the manager! I think he is part. He says that reality and

dreams are separate things. They are developing some good young talent on

the European U21 team. One of their players was in the best XI for the

tournament. Out by Lustig. Title win in Scotland again. This is Olsson,

suffered relegation again. Forsberg. Kallstrom. Olsson has time

to measure the cross, Ivanovic far post could not get up enough.

Sweden are quick to take a throw in that has been a feature of the

championship so far, the ball goes out and teams are restarting very

quickly. They are going to have to hurry and Harry, especially around

Ibrahimovic. Footballer of the Year ten times, winning 14 titles in 16

years at six clubs. His manager describes him as one of the best

three footballers on the planet. Shane Long, he will challenge all

day long for things like this. I think he could trouble Lindelof.

Free kick. The abrasive James McCarthy whips in with those

challenges but he slipped actually. He has been struggling with a

hamstring injury since the end of the domestic season, missed the warm

up internationals. Tight to the line, beyond McCarthy and a good run

as he goes beyond O'Shea but straight into the hands of Darren

Randolph. He had a good end to the season with West Ham. They just need

a little spell on the ball, Ireland, they haven't really settled. Walters

attacking the ball and get it back, crashed away by Lindelof. That move

to Middlesbrough apparently died in the end when Lisandro Lopez was

injured back in Portuguese football. Wes Hoolahan, so important to how

Ireland play. And because of the position, they have to get him on

the ball. Ireland are the oldest squad at these finals with the

average age just under 30. Ciaran Clark, born in Harrow but Irish.

This is one of the most colourful stages we have seen in these

championships so far with the yellow and green.

Jeff Hendrick, consistent at the end of qualifying. He gets that shot and

that is what he is capable of. That is something that Ireland will have

worked on the long throw, knocked down to Hendrick and a decent

strike. Relatively fresh, he missed the tail end of the season with

Derby. Here he is again, works so hard. McCarthy, stumbled over his

first touch. That is a bit of a waste from the corner. All the way

back in their own half and gave it away to Sweden. When you consider

that Ireland are really good at set pieces.

The referee blowing again. This was the referee that sent off Pepe at

the last World Cup finals. Surely not! Was he not feigning injury at

the same time? He has seen a fair amount of red cards over the years.

Larsson going in close. One of the features of the display in the

play-off against Denmark was the amount Ibrahimovic worked off the

ball. That is a lovely ball, another big diagonal looking for Marcus

Berg. Seamus Coleman was caught a little bit underneath it but Darren

Randolph came out quickly and was alert to the danger. Berg scored 14

in his last 12 games for Panathanaikos. Ireland will be wary.

He is in ahead of Guidetti, apparently there was a bit of a bust

up at the training ground last week with one of the squad members and as

a result Sweden have trained behind closed doors. There was a bump in

the middle, it was Long and Lindelof and he has stayed down. I don't

think the referee has seen it. He has no idea who it was. Offside was

given. This was the chance at the other end with Berg but quick

thinking from Darren Randolph. There is no doubt that Shane Long

will look to physically impose himself on the 21-year-old rookie

centre-back. Double winner with Benfica this season but

inexperienced at this level. That is away by Coleman. He didn't play much

football at the end of the season, had a hamstring injury.

Martin O'Neill signed a new deal with his coaching staff through to

the next couple of years, or agreed it, I think he still has to put his

name to it. Brady. Space in front of him but denied by Larsson and he

goes back to Hendrick. Good combination on the left, Hendrick

and Brady, they have been friends since schoolboy days. They were at a

very good club in Dublin, Saint Kevin 's boys club. I think they are

offering trials. They have been together all of those

years, firm friends and playing for Ireland today. This Walters.

Hoolahan. Larsson goes across but he has allowed Brady too much room.

Going through the gears. Across stepped Lustig. He will commit

people down the left, Brady, as everybody knows. Hoolahan. This time

the cover cross was by junk lower key. This time they have to put this

into the box. -- Lewicki. It was so crucial for Walters to be fit and

also Lewicki who had a groin strain in the week. O'Shea is trying to run

away from his marker. It nearly came to him, Ibrahimovic brings him down

and O'Shea might have been rolled to the ground but play on.

It is quite a clever foul, although he will have to be careful with the

totting up process. There was no shout or appeal for handball. God

would not need to use his hands! Calling him God and legend and so

forth. A bit untidy there. Kim Kallstrom has left a foot in, it is

a free kick. It was good pressure from Jonathan Walters initially to

earn himself the free kick. He stood on his knee. Roy Keane looking on.

Accidental? Yes. Are you sure? No. You would never know, though. Big

Andreas Isaacson, the six foot five goalkeeper, he played 20 games for

Manchester City in his two years there. He steps down after this, his

sixth major finals. 130 internationals for Sweden.

He has lined up a two-man wall. Headed away well by Victor Lindelof.

At least this time they are making Sweden defend. Really good young

defender, Victor Lindelof, he played right back in the U21 finals last

year and scored the decisive penalty in the final against Portugal, who

were expected to win. Very nearly came to John O'Shea. I

think it did. He was falling back. Defender in penalty area. It is a

chance. Ciaran Clark with the header. He has completely missed it.

Shane Long was right behind him as well. Oh, dear. You cannot leave it.

He has scored three goals for his country, but famously away in

Germany in qualification. When given this draw in December, Martin

O'Neill said, yes, but hang on, we have come out of a group that

contained the world champions. A good challenge by Jeff Hendrick.

The 24-year-old Dubliner just put his toe on it.

If Ireland are to make the diamond formation work, they need to get the

full-backs high. At the moment, Marcus Berg is keeping Seamus

Coleman in check. He has had no possession at all. They are in the

game now, though. Ireland spent the build-up for this back at home, they

spent a lot of the last championships in Italy, the training

camp there. They had a terrible start four years ago, when they were

beaten by Croatia in's and thumped by Spain, and Italy rounded off a

miserable championships. This is a big stadium. A big

occasion. Remember Stuttgart and New York? I certainly do, I was there.

What a party there was that night. Maybe! I remember having a

conversation with somebody in a bar for an hour and a half, and I

discovered the next year that it was a mirror and I had been talking to

myself. Was it a big mirror? That is what he is in the team for,

that kind of ball and run, and the run a bit. A decent ball from Glenn

Whelan. Double figures in Premier League football for the first time

this season, Shane Long. It is a foul. A couple of goals in

qualifying for Marcus Berg. He shot to fame in the U21 championships of

2009, he was the golden Boot winner. Might Zlatan Ibrahimovic shoot here?

He said this morning it is his city, his stadium, his tournament. We will

wait and see. He drilled it into the wall. It was his mistake! Even the

great con big right at all times. That is out of play. He has been in

charge a long while, Erik Hamren. He has been the Swedish manager for 83

games now, he took over in November 2000 nine. He said he likes his

players to sit at breakfast and generate positive energy. His

pretournament notes were not too positive!

Great pressure from Ireland. Really working hard.

A free kick for the challenge on Andreas Granqvist. The slightest of

nudges. How tall is Andreas Granqvist? Six foot three and a

half. Down like custard. Kim Kallstrom only played four games

for Arsenal. I think he picked up an FA Cup winner's medal. He signed and

then said he had a back injury from picking up a chair. It was his

wages! Good claim, well done, Darren

Randolph. A really good starting position with reading the play. This

is his sixth start in their last eight games now. Jeff Hendrick

played every minute of their last seven qualifying matches.

Consistency from him. 15 years now a regular, John O'Shea.

Ireland have done well with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, because he has got his

back to the play. Kim Kallstrom now 31, he was based

in France for a long time. Again, offside flag against Zlatan

Ibrahimovic. The pattern of the game is there is

no pattern. Scruffy. You don't want to lose the opening game. The

strengths and we hisses of the Irish side will have been pointed out by

one of the backroom members of the Swedish staff, he has been Leicester

City's performance director, momentous time for them. That was

very risky. Great passion inside the stadium. It

is a bit of a sterile game so far. The importance is massive. They know

it is their best realistic chance of getting a victory in the group. The

big guns to come, Belgium and Italy. More on that in a moment.

The ball is going to get carried off! It is often now. You can see

Belgium against Italy live on BBC One at 7:35pm, the other open it in

this group, and then Cristiano Ronaldo takes his bow, tomorrow on

BBC One at 7:30pm. The big one coming up later in this week,

England against Wales. Should Shay Given be called upon

today, and Ireland will hope he isn't in many ways, he will be the

oldest player in the championships. But the Hungarian goalkeeper is

expected to break the record when they play Hungary -- Austria

tomorrow in Bordeaux. The first time we have seen Seamus

Coleman get forward in this area. Jeff Hendrick did well. Exploded the

shop, but over. He went for a swinger, it is a good strike. Jeff

Hendrick did well, it was difficult to knock him off the ball, a nice

ball to Robbie Brady. The interchange between the pair from

the boys' club. He thought it was in.

O'Shea with the header. People always ask me, what is Martin like

in real life and he is exactly the same as on the telly. He is mad! The

most unorganised person ever. He and Roy Keane, an unlikely pair, you

would never have seen it. It is the odd couple. Was it Jack Lemmon...

Walter Matthau. Didn't he play for Germany?

The Irish fans starting to stir again. Ibrahimovic was waiting to

pounce on the slightest error. O'Shea out to Coleman. He was a

decent Gaelic footballer in Ireland, Seamus Coleman. What a bonus he has

been in terms of service for Everton. ?70,000 was it? Cork city?

Yes. Just over half an hour played.

Sweden alleging possession, 52% so far but very tight. Grope and

grapple. The noise is absolutely deafening.

Granqvist challenged by Walters, always likely to win that one.

Forsberg. Clark. Brady. Hendrick. Two ahead of

him, he takes the written and goes for gold! It rocked the bar! The

best move of the game by a mile. A real touch of class. That will

have worried Sweden as well. Here is Larsson. Lewicki. Looking to get

Lustig high up on the far side. Hoolahan with the touch away,

Ibrahimovic challenges and surely that is a free kick but the referee

says no. He will did it now for the challenge on Clark. -- give it.

Great piece of play. It was loaded for him to hit it straightaway and

he has caressed it rather than smash it. Very unlucky. He hasn't scored

for Ireland, a couple this season for Derby. Missed out on the

play-offs. Hoolahan chasing that, he'd tried to get around the outside

of Granqvist. Just hanging on a little bit here, Sweden. It was like

Atom Ant against the Incredible Hulk. Do you remember him? No.

Forsberg trying to do the organisation. Larsson.

You just feel Ireland need to score the opening goal. And they are

playing well and are but a good spell and opportunities. Lustig.

They are getting deeper and deeper. Granqvist of Krasnodar in Russia.

Sweden thought that was a foul on Forsberg. He stayed down after the

challenge, the man just promoted to Bundesliga football with Leipzig.

They are definitely letting more challengers go, the referees. It

must be Colina's influence. I think it is. Olsson takes the throw.

Forsberg. Whelan gives that somewhere leak, up towards Shane

Long. Hoolahan. Torres clubmate, Brady. -- to his clubmate. Hendrick

is there again, his old pal and Hoolahan has made a run into the box

but that is short. One over the top looking for Berg. O'Shea's

experience told. Ireland have only won three out of

19 games at major finals. They have lost their last four games at the

Euros. Coleman hits the Norwich full-back. Hoolahan. It bounced

awkwardly. He had to soften it off his foot. Ibrahimovic.

Six goals in European finals football, one behind Alan Shearer.

O'Shea eases that away. Martin Olsson. Corner ball, off

McCarthy. Their first corner. We said at the start they are a very

big side so it will be a testing time for Ireland. Ibrahimovic is six

foot five. There is a percussive banking of seats from the Swedish

supporters -- banging. Like a drum beat. A word here for Anders

Granqvist. He was sent off in one of the qualifiers, against Moldova. He

has one goal for Sweden in six years. Away from the near post. Back

in, just touched on by the centre-back. And well wide by the

maestro. And under pressure from one of the Irish players. Decent header

back in. Working so hard to deny him a

chance, two Irish shirts around him. Hoolahan did well. Not known for his

defensive duties. Ibn Rivage scored 11 in qualifying, the second highest

scorer en route to the finals -- Ibrahimovic. But he has barely had a

sniff. At the other end, Sweden conceded 12 goals in qualifying,

only the Czech Republic conceded more in getting here. Ireland have

gone a little bit flat. Just at the moment, you get your chances and you

need to score. 19 Premier League players, nine from the Championship

and one from the MLS. Lindelof was pressurised and he is annoyed with

himself. It was his mistake when he was not pressurised at first when he

lashed it up into the air and Shane Long did the rest. Can Ireland deal

a knockout blow here? Brady will take it, and Lindelof looked a bit

hot under the collar there. The corner is whipped in. Ibrahimovic

back out wide, Brady settled and if it comes and Clark was in there.

Away by Larsson. Hendrick. We learn, Hoolahan. Five minutes to go in the

half. McCarthy on hand. Robbie Brady has seen a lot of the ball and a

decent ball in! It was just edged away by Larsson and Shane Long is

looking at the assistant, claiming he was fouled. It is a great ball,

away from the goalkeeper. This will tell us. No. Nothing in that,

really. He put the striker under pressure, good defending. It is a

Serbian assistant behind the line and he had a good view of it.

Forsberg, the first time he has got into that sort of position. He

scored against Wales coming in off the left, right on the edge of the

box. A crucial time in the game here. Lovely pressure, tenacious

from McCarthy. Kallstrom, who he challenged, looks slow. Slow and

ponderous. McCarthy is Lars go born but his grandad was from Donegal. --

Glasgow. Kallstrom is 31 now, in his fifth tournament finals. Perhaps his

best days are behind him. He looks heavy. They tell me he is 83 kilos.

What about the other leg? Hoolahan. He did well and held off the

challenge of the hefty Kallstrom. Away by Lindelof. That is a foul and

I don't think McCarthy will get away without a yellow card. He can't

complain about that. One of the Swedish players has gone down

holding his head, not sure what that's all about. He pulled him

back. Yes. Steve Walford, he has been with

Martin O'Neill through thick and thin.

Your overall thoughts? Very much Ireland in the ascendancy and have

had good opportunities and they could be in front. They have to make

sure they get in at half-time at 0-0 and start again second half. They

have been the better team, Randolph has not made a save.

It looks like they are going to have to make a change. Lustig is not

going to be able to continue. That is a big blow for them. They have

alternatives on the bench. But not too many experts in that position.

Granqvist has gone across and played there in the past and they are

already missing a couple of big defenders, Miller pitch with a need

injury and Anne Thomson as well -- Milos

Erik Johansson is going to come on, a very good game against Wales. He

is a centre-half. He is mainly left footed. But young Victor Lindelof

played well at right back in the U21 Championships last summer and has

gone out there. That is the switch. Into the hands of Darren Randolph.

All of that thinking and passion has been replaced by a nervous energy

now and pension around the stand to France.

Jeff Hendrick was quickly onto it. He has been Ireland's best player.

No time to take the throw. The closest we have come to a goal, a

terrific effort by Jeff Hendrick after a lovely interchange with

Robbie Brady, it crashed against the bar. Flatter the Britain with which

sent one wind, would Ireland have dealt with him well. No goals.

The Republic of Ireland have been pretty dominant in the first half,

the only thing missing apart from the goal is a bit of Irish luck.

They have been brilliant, first half. They can be pleased, intense,

they got at them from the start, they have created chances, they have

not put them away, which I hope they don't regret, we have seen nothing

from Sweden. Very dominant, really. They will be more than happy. Yes,

that'll be the message from Martin O'Neill. That is the disappointing

thing, we have not got the goal from the chances. John O'Shea, we have

had chances, and you have to take them. Fractions away and good

efforts, they have not been bad misses. They have mixed their game

up really well, that has been a feature, going long and intricate

passing as well. They have been unlucky. If they play like that in

the second half they will win the game. They played direct at times,

but mixed it up. They have shown great variation.

For the first 20, 25 minutes, that is deliberate, in the hope that

Sweden get further and further back, and they did that. Two examples of

knocking it long. Sweden sat further back. It creates a bit of space in

front, because Sweden have dropped further back, for your players to

get on the ball. That happens there, you now have space, you can plate.

You can get on the ball, and things like that happen. Just curse you

have had great variation in your play, it is a magnificent effort

from Jeff Hendrick. Because of that, you get players on the ball, you now

have the space. The players are not closing due down, they are camped on

the edge of the box, but that creates space in front for you to

put balls in. That is the one disappointing thing, brilliant in

every aspect apart from putting the ball in the back of the net, the

most difficult thing. When you are freeing up Robbie Brady, he delivers

with quality, that is what he gives the side. He has caused problems

from set plays. Jeff Hendrick has been terrific, he is inches away

from immortality hammer and he went close early on. He has been good

both ways, he and Robbie Brady have been the most creative. That is a

hell of a strike, he seems to be grasping the chance to stay in the

team. We need more of that from him, keep trying to get forward and

support the front two. Other examples, John O'Shea, so close.

What a chance. You know the Robbie Brady he puts it in such difficult

areas for the opposition to defend against, John O'Shea knows it, he

has peeled away well, it is a well worked routine, it just needs the

faintest of touches, he does not adjust his feet quickly enough. He

is not a striker. One of the others have been very good efforts, that is

a big miss. They have got to put those chances in. They will be in

courage by the overall display. It is one of those, when you miss

chances, but it gives you confidence when you are creating them. Danny

spoke about playing to your strengths, we have got two good

headers of the ball up front, willing runners, and that is how

they have gone into the game, and they continue that, the tempo is

right, players who can play, but everything is right. Sweden cannot

be that bad again. How often do we see a first half and it is totally

different in the second? Robbie Brady has been impressive. A good

effort. Seamus Coleman has been into decent positions, not a bad ball.

Robbie Brady, a lot of players have come down the left-hand side, as you

would expect, and they have dominated. Not a bad effort. It is

harsh to quality a chance, but it is a good effort. He has a really good

right foot, for a lefty. His is very good. Kevin never, anyway! A bit

harsh! They have kept Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet. Glenn Whelan has

played the role well, he has gone about his job effectively, stop him

getting on the ball, and he has given the ball away a lot, he has

not produced too much movement. I don't think he has broken into a

sweat yet. Maybe Martin O'Neill was right ten years ago! Don't write him

off yet! Spain got their defence underweight earlier against the

Czech Republic, he is the best of the action from Toulouse.

They could save by Petr Cech, straight into his midriff. David

Silva with the delivery. He could not turn it past Petr Cech.

Inches wide. It is a case of nearly but not quite. Aim on what on one

occasion in the first half. Just off the outside of the post. He

was diving in at the last moment, as Alvaro Morata laid the ball back. A

save by David de Gea. The ball curled in. He could not quite get it

past the Spanish goalkeeper. It is hoped away. Last ditch

defending from Spain, job well done, Cesc Fabregas.

A great chance, and a goal, Gerard Pique! Finally, the defending

champions are up and running, with three and a half minutes remaining.

Gerard Pique nods at home. Spanish patience pays off. Can they just

create an opening? Late in the day, to maybe snatch a draw? A good save

by David de Gea. Beaten away by David de Gea. The Czech Republic so

close to an equaliser in added time. It might not be their day.

Three points for the Spaniards. If the top two win, they will go

through to the last 16. The highest ranked team at the tournament take

on Italy this evening, that is Belgium. Don't forget to download

and setup the BBC Sport at 40 16. If you miss anything, every morning

there is a special catch up available to download from 6am. What

did you make of the Spaniards? Very much as I expected, they dominated

possession, created chances, I was disappointed in Alvaro Morata, he

did not put the chances away, but they kept going, the manager made

changes, what a ball in for the goal. The same quality players

starring, Andres Iniesta. He is top-class, he has started on the

right foot here. He looked really sharp. The good sides do not always

play brilliantly in the first game but they get over the line, we have

seen it with Germany and Spain. They have won three of the last four

major tournaments. 48 hours since England's opening game, they have

since I arrived back and been training at their camp, Gabby Logan

can bring us the latest. England 1- -- England, into another

tournament, the usual mix of hope and hype. It is too early to say

they might rue missed opportunities. Eric Dier right in the Miss. He

smashes it. England find a way, it is a dynamic strike from Eric Dier.

1-0. It is a game of fine margins. A good header, Russia level it at

the last. Russia's captain climbed highest of all to break English

hearts. At the draw that felt like the feet,

England have returned to the peace and tranquillity of drizzly

Chantilly. You have had a bit of time to reflect and consider what

happened against Russia, are the players now looking at the positives

and feeling that the first half performance was as good as it has

been for a while? I think so, it was only natural after the game that

people were down, the manager spoke, he was proud of us, we put in a good

performance, but as footballers and men if you lose two points like that

you will be disappointed, so we are proud of our performance, we wanted

to win, it is always nice to win the first game, but we had a good

performance, so we are happy. Wales are top of the group, an incredible

victory, how much will that affect your mindset? I don't think it will

affect us, we did not win but we were by far the better side

all-round. We are a better team with better players, and we are confident

we can win. If we can produce the performance and stop Gareth Bale we

can win. No time to dwell on what might have been, England have to get

their heads into gear. Operations continue.

It is on Thursday, much coverage across the BBC. We switched to BBC

One at 1:30pm. All eyes on the fans of England and Russia following the

threat of tournament expulsion issued by Uefa yesterday, Roy

Hodgson hopes the England supporters take heed.

As England manager I am very concerned about the threat which is

now hanging over us, the sanctions that could be imposed upon the

England team. We work very hard to get here, we want to stay in the

competition, and I am appealing to all of our fans, and we appreciate

your support and the matches, but I am appealing to you to stay out of

trouble and to try and make certain that these threats that are being

issued never carried out, and we will be able to attempt to do the

best we can to stay in this competition by football means. I

would like to thank the England fans for the great support in the stadium

against Russia. Now we have a big game against Wales. I would like to

ask the fans, if you don't have a ticket, don't travel, and for the

fans with tickets, be safe and sensible and continue with your

great support for the players. It comes to something when you have

got the manager and captain having to appeal to supporters, or people

that travel, perhaps we should say. The scenes that we have witnessed in

the last few days have been horrendous, a black mark against the

game and against our people but it is a small minority spoiling it for

the rest. Let's hope we don't see any more or any expulsions, let's

just enjoy the football. Coming back to the game, the Republic of

Ireland, there is a danger if you dominate that you can't keep it

going. And the lads have touched on it, Sweden have to be better.

Incredibly poor in the first half so you are looking for the same again

and take your chances. Would you do anything different tactically?

Sweden might! I would ask them to run around a bit more! The crucial

thing for Ireland is the lads in the diamond, McCarthy and Hendrick, if

they can't maintain that energy because it is tough. They were

brilliant in the first half and that is what Martin will be saying, show

me the same commitment and effort and somebody stick a chance away!

Sweden not running around yet! I stand being organised and courses in

the first game but there is a time when somebody needs to put in a

tackle and set the tone. They are there for the taking. It is a big

chance for Ireland to win this. Three points are vital, let's rejoin

Jonathan and Mark. You could see every Mitic coming

out, -- Ibrahimovic coming out, they have been like PSG in many games

this year, Dell and uninspired and suddenly he does something and they

are in the game. -- dull and uninspired. But he is a brilliant

players like Cavani and Lucas Moura around him there and Sweden don't

have those players. And you have watched a lot of the French league

and the rest of the league are rubbish, not wanting to put too fine

a point on it. That is a point you have made. I'm thinking of

safeguarding my future employment prospects so I can't really comment!

Whelan is an inspiration in his own right, his nickname used to be the

Irish Gattuso. Ireland kicking from right to left in this second half.

It has been great to see fans of both teams mingling around Paris

today. There is very little segregation in this stadium and it

is just a joint to be here. You look at the rubbish happening in

Marseille, it is Neanderthal. It takes me back to the first

tournament I covered which was the Euros in 88 and again, the threat of

expulsion for England. Terrible to see those days back. I hate to see

this threat of expulsion like England did have in 88. Hendrick has

had such a bright game and he might get a shot here! He makes the

goalkeeper make the save. What a good game he is happening. And well

done to the referee because there was a foul on Walters and he let it

go on. Lindelof is now at right back after the injury to Lustig. That was

the foul. And the shops, decent save. Decent strike. -- and the

shot. This is Walters. Hoolahan with the

cross. Now Coleman. He checks back and goes again. To the edge of the

area and OES! -- oh yes! Hoolahan! It doesn't matter where it came off.

How good was that? Great play by Coleman because he had the

opportunity to cross but kept his nerve and went past the defender and

got his head up and had a look and a fantastic finish. Right foot. He

could have gone left foot but waited and there was the ball and fantastic

technique. He caught it beautifully. What a lovely strike. Perfect

contact. With his right foot. Look at that. Unbridled joy. He will be

told about that moment for generations to come.

It will only be worthy if they can hold on to the lead. Larsson.

The talented Forsberg, back in and dangerously over his own bar by

Clark. They say that the first five or ten minutes after you score are

the most dangerous time to concede. Here is the danger. Kallstrom. Has

always been a good deliverer of a free kick. Brilliant save and a

deflection and hammered over by Forsberg! He should have scored.

Outstanding chance, really good save by Randolph because he saw it very

late and got a good hand to it. An opportunity, nowhere near it. Very

good goalkeeping. Hoolahan was there anyway. Randolph Hearst to take his

time a bit here, just slow down. He has been around a long time since

starting back at Charlton. He is here as the Irish number one. Spent

time at Accrington and Gillingham, Bury and Hereford, all an

apprenticeship for these moments. Free kick. McCarthy again, he has to

be careful. Ireland might have to make a change quicker than they

would have wanted to. Kallstrom over it. He sweeps it in,

back in the middle looking for Ibrahimovic and away by Coleman. All

of southern Sweden look a real danger. A free header -- all of a

sudden. It was a good header from Lewicki, only five foot nine.

Coleman was in a good position in the middle of the box.

Kallstrom again, once more it flies through. It nearly came to Granqvist

but away by Whelan. You can feel the nerves in that penalty area.

Sweden's fourth corner. Kallstrom again and this time it came off

Walters. These arcing corners are causing problems. It is Groundhog

Day. Clark has a look at big Johansson.

Powerful header away. Olsson back in. Brady running clear. Good Kerry

and sensibly checking back. Hoolahan. -- good carry. He has won

the free kick. Many people might have wanted him to keep going but it

was sensibly done. Absolutely, he went so fast that nobody was up

there so he had to stop and recycle the ball and now they have a free

kick. Two Norwich boys are much desperate disappointment around

Carrow Road at the end of the season. They all worked so hard to

get back into the top flight. Brady am like so many players, started at

Manchester United, he was taught the right way. Brady with the free kick.

Hendrick awaits but it goes back to Whelan who looks for the diagonal.

Hoolahan was behind him but it was well seen and cleared by Larsson.

Berg, he has not been in the game. Free kick. Berg fouled his man.

They are going to need something from him to get back into the game,

Sweden. His fourth Euros. 62 goals for his country, Ibrahimovic. His

team are behind. Goalkick. Larsson isn't happy. Not

even grumpy. What a good game Brady has had. It is his best position at

left-back, I know he can play left side but there are acres of space to

run into and everybody knows he has such a cultured left foot and he can

run all day. He just played one game before Manchester United, coming on

in a League Cup tie away to Hull. Here he is again. Good all round the

corner to Hoolahan, well played by Ireland again. Whelan was fouled but

play on says the referee. The official statistics say that Sweden

are still dominating possession which seems strange. There is not

much in it, 52% against 48%. Olsson switches on to his right foot and

this is dangerous, Ibrahimovic could not turn, O'Shea and Clark did their

jobs. The problem for Ireland, the game is starting to get stretched.

Coleman was stretched just there. Forsberg.

Kallstrom trying to get it in the box. Sweden might have to make a

change and it could be Kallstrom going off. Great chase from Long and

Hendrick drew the foul. He knew he was going to get hit and he did. If

you are John O'Shea or one of the midfielders, it is let's just settle

down and slow down the game. The rhythmic noises we could hear were

the Irish fans. They were banging the boards around the front of the

stands at the Stade de France. Brady. It was wayward and tired.

John Guidetti is going to come on for Sweden. Martin O'Neill unhappy

that Ireland have given Sweden this opportunity now. Forsberg.

Kallstrom. Beyond the goalkeeper, back across the goal, Coleman has

misjudged it, Hoolahan was cool. Looking for Shane Long. Johansson,

Kallstrom. Lewicki. The midway point of the second half.

Darren Randolph needs to get hold of the ball, push people up, everybody

back in position for the next ten minutes, do nothing to impress --

encourage Sweden. Marcus Berg has been awful. John Guidetti will

replace him in a minute. Here he comes, the man once at

Manchester City, he had a terrible time there, on his 20th birthday

they he had a piece of bad chicken which caused a virus that led to the

nerves in his right leg being totally paralysed. He replaces

Marcus Berg. He now plays his football at Celta Vigo. He had a

decent season, 12 goals, in the Europa League next season. He was

asked in an interview to translate his name in Spanish, his translation

was that it means fiesta in the dressing room.

They don't need the brightest, they just need to get a goal. The island

fans in full voice. Very nearly got that goal. He scores out of nothing.

Ireland are backing off. All the time.

I wonder if you might drop Jonathan Walters in midfield and make it a

five to ten minutes. Leaning back, he did well to keep the ball heading

towards the goal, but wide. He has had a staggering career, the

Swedish icon, 29 trophies, the major clubs in Europe, Ajax, Juventus,

Inter Milan, Barcelona, the domestic title in Sweden with Malmo.

That is going to be a card for Victor Lindelof. Has he had a whack

Jonathan Walters? Where did he make contact? Why or where? This is the

new law, striking the head or face when not challenging for the ball is

a red card, unless the force was negligible. It is the latter, then.

That is offside, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Sweden will say, how come James

McCarthy is still on the pitch? I hope they say, how come we lost 1-0?

Ireland are going to make a substitution, James McClean will

come on, the West Bromwich Albion player. He came on for one game four

years ago, under a quarter of an hour against Spain. He scored a

couple of goals in qualifying in the victories against Gibraltar.

Martin O'Neill is going mad, the fourth official is trying to get

James Maclean on. The fourth official is having none of it, and

the assistant. Jonathan Walters takes the standing

ovation of the masses in green. He has had an Achilles problem. He has

fought as he normally does. He has done well alongside Shane Long. Just

hope James McClean keeps his head. He is a feisty character.

He has been an international for four years now, James McClean. I

would just leave Shane Long up now. Five in midfield. James McCarthy

also needs to keep his head. The worst thing for Ireland would to go

to ten. He has had a super game. Now he sits in, goes towards the middle,

Jeff Hendrick. Offside. A great ball. A great ball.

The last two have been very good. I shout by the assistant referee. The

signs are worrying. Time is running short for that man.

Victor Lindelof only made 40 appearances in his homeland before

he moved to Benfica. They have not created enough for

Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Big tasks like a head for Sweden. They always knew

they were outsiders to qualify. Offside again. Three in three. After

this it is to lose and Italy, and then Belgium in Nice.

Sweden have virtually pushed three up. John Guidetti, is not an Ibrahim

of rich and Emil Forsberg. They sat in shape a bit, I learned,

they look a bit more secure. Their next game is Belgium, and then Italy

in Lille. Just could not get it out of his knee and midriff, because the

defender would have had to have fouled him, because Shane Long this

quick. Those stats mean nothing if they end

up with this scoreline in 22 minutes.

The ball was rolling, he has to take it again. Kim Kallstrom could have

been a golfer. It is not exactly a putting surface. A bit heavy again.

A laboured passing movement there. 1-0 to the boys in green, is the

song. That is a file. It certainly is, a stupid foul from Sweden's

point of view. He has done well, Wes Hoolahan.

He was not a favourite under Giovanni Trapattoni.

I remember James McClean scoring against the USA back in November

2014. A good display that day, a 4-1 victory. But that would be next to

nothing compared to this, if they can pull it off. A good block.

Sebastian Larsson is in there. It may have been an own goal. The

movement of Zlatan Ibrahimovic took it to the dead-ball line. As the

cross came in, it may have gone in clear and Clark. Swedish delight.

Irish despair. There has been a range of crosses into Ireland's

penalty area in the last ten minutes, they always looked

extremely dangerous. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, great area. It is an

own goal, there is nothing worse. It was Ciaran Clark. He knew that

Sebastian Larsson was behind him. He has got to deal with it, obviously.

He has got it spectacularly wrong. A crucial five minutes now for

Ireland. It was a crucial time after they had scored else well. It was

coming. Sebastian Larsson gets it away. I

wonder if he had a look alongside him. It is some angle to score from.

James McClean was in there. Shane Long was in there as well.

Ciaran Clark had a miserable season with Aston Villa. But that the most

miserable moment of his football career so far I would bet. That is a

good position by the referee and Ireland have a free kick, against

Kallstrom -- decision. He caught him with the trailing leg

as well. O'Shea has gone forward. Hendrick is

just outside the box. Away by Ibrahimovic. It was a zippy cross

back into the six yard area from him. Well taken by Hoolahan. The

cross was a big impacts the rest -- investors. Looking for Shane Long --

impetuous. The referee was right on that. Just to remind you, Belgium

against Italy is live on BBC One tonight, the other game in this

group and you can see Ronaldo in our live game tomorrow, against Iceland.

-- Portugal against Iceland and we have England against Wales on

Thursday. Every which way you want to watch on the BBC. Coleman with

the run. McCarthy into Hendrick. The clearance could have gone anywhere

and it is an Irish corner. Brady with the corner, O'Shea was

forward, lose on the edge of the area, James McClean, took a bit of a

bump. The cross to the far post. It has come loose and the free kick has

been given. I think it was Clark. It was a big push. Nice ball in. He has

just pushed his man. We have got a game on here, 15 minutes to go.

Ireland are making another change I think. And it is time for the

record-breaker. But Robbie Keane will have to wait a little while.

Ireland look for Long and the goalkeeper thought about coming and

went back. Long. He brings in McCarthy but he has to chase out

wide. Coleman in support. The Swedish band thought that was out.

Hoolahan, trying to give and go. -- Swedish fans. Brady tried to poke it

to McClean. Guidetti, the challenge from Whelan and the referee let that

go as well. Ibrahimovic had clattered into him and things are

getting a bit hot under the collar. Whelan has caught the Swedish player

as well. They are making a big fuss. I'm not sure the referee was looking

at the Whelan incident, the assistant would have told him. I

hope people cannot lip-read as well from Larsson. It is not a good

tackle. Leading up to that, Ivanovic fouled

him. -- Ibrahimovic. Here comes the Irish substitution, Hoolahan is

going off and Robbie Keane comes on. He had a calf problem and a knee

operation in March but came back for LA Galaxy. It is a very positive

substitution. He scored four goals in eight games at the beginning of

the American season after that injury. Shane Long looks for the

foul but it doesn't come. It seems only a blink ago that

Robbie Keane was making his name in the World Cup finals in Japan and

Korea in 2002. He scored an important goal, was it against

Germany? It was, in the 1-1 and he scored

against Saudi Arabia. Olsson, Ibrahimovic weights and goes for it

and he fouls his man. Big header from Clark this time. The arm across

the shoulder. The final championships for

Ibrahimovic, probably, and probably for some of the other Swedish

players. 13 players were at the Euros four years ago and have not

returned. Olsson. He has been a problem for Ireland in the second

half. Ibrahimovic has gone down in the box. He picks himself up, away

by Clark. Ireland look tired. They have just struggled with all of the

crosses from the Swedish left hand side. A bit too much time and space.

Ten minutes to go. He went down in the box in the lead

up to that and looked to the referee. Kallstrom. Olsson. Sweden

have dominated most of the second half. And they know that McCarthy

cannot really make a challenge out there. If he missed times it, he is

off. -- missed Robbie Keane is trying to cover the

right-hand side from Ireland's point of view.

Granqvist has had a long career, almost 400 club games. Ibrahimovic.

Whelan makes the tackle. He looked tired then, Whelan. Out wide for

Lindelof, danger signs for the Republic of Ireland with eight and a

half minutes to go. Olsson, it goes in and it went all the way through.

The danger keeps coming down that side. Ireland have not done anything

about it. He has got the freedom of the park down the left-hand side,

Olsson. They might just have too park somebody on him. Just so you

don't allow Sweden to play him in. Larsson, good battling by McClean

and it is a Swedish throw. Sweden have never lost a competitive

international against the Republic of Ireland. I think Ireland are

doing something about the right-hand side. They are going to send on

Aiden McGeady as a right-sided midfield player. I wonder if Roy

Keane has given him a pat on the back!

Hendrick is over there covering at the moment. Whelan looks tired.

There are a few. Ibrahimovic. Sweden sensing their moment is coming but

not like that. Larsson expansively waving at Guidetti but it was not a

good ball. They need to get McGeady on. What are they waiting for?

Hesitation and a mix-up between Granqvist and little Lewicki. Foul.

We live again. Tired as you say, a lack of concentration and heavy

legs. McCarthy is coming off for McGeady.

Straight on the right-hand side. Just block up that hole. Albin Ekdal

is going to come on for Sweden. He was included in the squad even

though there was a nightclub incident not long ago when he fell

over and gashed his back. He said he had not been drinking and they were

OK with it. It raised a few eyebrows when he came back to the squad, I

can tell you. McGeady under pressure from Larsson. Here comes the Swedish

substitution. Off goes Oscar Lewicki, 23 years of age and he is a

tidy player I think. Ekdal plays at Hamburg. A suspicion

of push. Swedish protests as down went Granqvist. Randolph has it.

Larsson with the challenge to stop Brady. It is a silly throw, just

push everybody up. Lack of experience from Randolph. He went

down too easily, did admit he -- didn't he?

Forsberg. Can Ireland hold on? Four minutes to go. Sweden very much look

like a winner if there is one. Olsson. Long was first to it.

McClean just got tagged. He just caught him, accidentally or not, it

is still a foul. There you are. Twice.

A frustrating year at Sunderland for Larsson, only four start since

August. There he is. Ekdal. It is scrappy now. Ireland will not want

the game to flow. No. The second half has gone on, they

look like the oldest squad in town. Robbie Brady has been excellent.

Robbie Brady was caught there. The referee was content to let Ireland

have possession. Like Superman. Shane Long was

fouled. Relief for Ireland. Well done, Shane Long, he knew he would

get clattered and he was prepared to take one for the team make sure he

got in front of his man. I just wonder if they can create a

last gasp chance for Robbie Keane in the box.

Three minutes of stoppage time to play.

Aiden McGeady going back to Goodison Park after his loan spell at

Sheffield Wednesday, he has not caught fire there. Nothing wrong

with going back, you take what you have got. Avoid defeat in the

opening game at all costs. A roar from the Irish fans. Martin

O'Neill will not want them to be too expensive.

Steadily done. Ciaran Clark fouled by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A good file

for Ireland. No need for him to file like that at this late stage. I

don't really think he is concerned about convention. I believe his wife

is a lawyer. A brilliant mind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Glenn Whelan has

given his all. Ireland need to keep possession. A

man down. Aiden McGeady. Oh, yes, he has stored all over him. On the top

of his foot, towards his ankle. He is up now, though. Sweden will have

to give possession back to the Republic of Ireland. Your overall

thoughts? Probably just about right. Ireland dominated the first half, up

the early goal in the second half, and started to sit back and invited

Sweden on. In the end, they will take a point.

Ireland in no hurry. Not the heavyweights in the group, but they

have slugged it out against each other. The Republic of Ireland's

victory hopes dashed by the own goal by Ciaran Clark 19 minutes from time

after Wes Hoolahan gave them the lead early in the second-half. He

was one of the players substituted. Ireland could not get the victory,

but it is a better start than four years ago. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a

hand in the goal, that it is a nightmare that denies Ireland the

victory. They have an opening point at the Stade de France. 1-1.

It promised so much for so long for Ireland. A terrific performance in

many ways. Ciaran Clark, we just saw him, desperately sad moment for him,

putting into his own net, after being dominant for much of the game.

They got the vital lead, we thought it might give them the three points

that is so necessary, would overrule, a terrific effort from the

Irish. It certainly was. Totally dominated the first half, they

should have been leading. But then the goal, a brilliant goal from Wes

Hoolahan. Ireland went on the back foot, sat too deep, and there was

more urgency from Sweden, they came back in, and Ireland deserved to

win, was appointed in the stadium this evening. That man involved in

the only goal that Sweden scored, albeit an own goal. It was amazing.

Ireland's goal sparked Sweden into playing. They came more and more

into the game. A great piece of skill by Zlatan Ibrahimovic to get

the goal. They will regret not winning this game, Ireland, they had

enough chances. I agree. They had the better chances. We expected a

reaction from Sweden. When they get higher up the pitch, Zlatan

Ibrahimovic comes into the game all, and he stopped being a nuisance, he

nearly scored with a chance just before the goal. Some positives for

Ireland, some terrific performances from Wes Hoolahan, Robbie Brady and

Jeff Hendrick, and no reason why they cannot go into the next game

with the same... It is a much better start than four years ago. The

longer the game was going on, I was thinking, we will just take the

point, don't get beat. There were chances, you'll jump will be

difficult, but you would fancy your chance against Italy. Defensively,

they are organised, but there is a chance we can beat them. All is not

lost. It feels like a negative vibe after you have gone a goal ahead.

They are bound to be feeling that way tonight, but when they get home

and they look at the DVD, they will take plenty of positives out of that

game. It is a shame, after the brilliant goal, such a difficult

week to put the ball in, to sit back and retreat instead of going on the

front foot and trying to get another one and attack them... It was a

fabulous goal, we might even give Martin O'Neill and assist.

He got involved, getting the players up and at it. He recognised the

situation. A well taken from him. An excellent move from Jonathan

Walters. That is the one thing that was lacking in the first half, the

Finnish. Seamus Coleman does superbly well. Wes Hoolahan drifts

into a difficult area. This is a brilliant finish, such a difficult

skill to keep it down. It is an outstanding finish. We praised

Bastian Schweinsteiger for the half volley, this is even harder, further

out, more difficult technique. To get it on target is one thing, to

get it into the corner, into the goal, it was brilliant, great

technique. Great reactions from Martin O'Neill. I believe we can

hear from the goal-scorer, Wes Hoolahan.

Congratulations on what is one of the great goals for Ireland.

Fantastic set up by Seamus, it came to me, on the half volley, I was

delighted to see it into the back of the net. It must be one of the

greatest moments of your career. Yes, it is a great achievement. Fair

play to the boys, they were magnificent, unlucky not to get the

three points, but we will take the point. In the first half we were

good, created a lot of chances. We created a lot of chances, Jeff

Hendrick off the crossbar, Shane Long, and John O'Shea, we were

excellent. The start of the second half we were excellent as well, but

in the last 20 minutes it got away from us, but we should be proud.

Were you feeling the pace? My calf tied up a bit, but I should be fine.

It was end to end stuff, it was a great game to watch. A point is not

so bad. It is a great point in the end, we look forward to Belgium

next. We will look at night and see how it goes. Was it a tactical

substitution? Yes, and a bit of fatigue. A great moment.

They put in a shift, you would expect the Irish players to be

tired. It is a shame for Ciaran Clark. He scored an own goal in a

game where they were leading. Yes, but he had to get something on it.

It was not an horrendous own goal, some are worse than others.

There were a couple of instances where they could have come out and

won the ball. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is strong, he keeps possession. When he

gets it back, you are thinking, block the cross. John O'Shea is a

bit slow. Well played, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It is a good bit of

football. It is a decent cross. Ciaran Clark could not let the ball

go across the goal, he has to get something on it. It is a good cross.

He cannot adjust himself. The momentum was with Sweden at that

time, putting Ireland under pressure, hitting crosses into the

area. It had to come from him, because they were poor in the first

half, they needed a spark. Sweden hardly had a chance, so this and the

halves should not be disappointed. Really good performances around the

pitch. Jeff Hendrick in particular, some great efforts, so close. He was

the one that was trying to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. His

performance was excellent. He can be very proud of himself. He was trying

to get it forward, link up with the front man. A super strike with a

right foot. He was the one that was the driving force. It is tough to

play on the edge of the diamond, a heavy workload. You are constantly

working, having to do donkey work, that is brilliant. I played with him

at Derby County, he had the attributes as a youngster, ready to

kick on. He is a real talent. He can do this, he can score goals. He has

started on the big stage now. A clever performance, I thought. It is

difficult at this level to find pockets of space, people the one guy

that was finding them. It is interesting, the mentality of

football, how things shift. Ireland very dominant, and then they get a

goal, and something happens. They pull back, and Sweden are dominant,

then they get a goal, and Ireland come back out. It is madness in many

ways, how the mind can play games. You are protecting something, so you

then take a step back, not forward. That is what Ireland did. It sparks

the other team into action. Why they did not stop the game... That is

what I am saying. The enormity of the game sometimes takes you back,

we have had not had a victory in the opening game forever, that played on

their minds a bit, it is understandable. They had a major

part in Sweden's goal, what do you make of Zlatan Ibrahimovic? He was

quiet largely. In the second half it was more like him, I was expecting

things to happen. It did not happen in the first half, he did not put

himself about. He needs the ball, but he did not play with any

intensity or hunger. He gave the ball away sloppily. In the second

half, he was a lot better. Glenn Whelan locked onto him at

times and prevented his supply and that was why he was quiet. He was

dropping deeper because he was not involved but he made an impact in

the box with a couple of chances. I thought that was a decent chance. He

didn't get enough contact on it as he wanted. That was another one. He

got into better positioned and created chances. He started getting

where you want your striker to be instead of 20 yard outside the box.

As a striker, you rely on your team for service but his bit of magic got

them back into it. Later on, the highest ranked team at the

tournament take on Italy, that is Belgium. Tomorrow night when other

starters quest for major tournament success at international level as

Portugal take on Iceland and if you miss anything we have eight special

catch up every morning to download from 6am. The other teams in this

group, Belgium and Italy are strong so there will be a sense of the

Republic thinking... You have got to go and chase the game at some stage

because you need to win. You fancy it against Italy but defensively

they are hard. And we have said about Belgium, they now have some

players but they have to do it, you can't just keep saying they have got

good players. A lot of good individuals and in Italy there is a

feeling that they are not that strong at the moment but the

Italians... Like the Germans, it would not surprise me if they'd got

the result needed, they have done it before. Overall thoughts of how

Ireland performed? Positive overall, they are good at getting a draw and

they can shut up shop and against Belgium that might be the way to go.

Three drawers would probably get them through. It got us out of

Italia 90. I remember that! Hopefully. They showed some maturity

at the end, when they conceded, OK, if we can't win this, we're not

going to get beaten. Will Martin O'Neill be content? Overall,

probably not because when you go in front you should see it through and

that was disappointing. Roy Keane? Quietly disappointed! Can they do

it? They will not be too downhearted but it is an uphill task, they

needed three points from this game. Anybody doing the next game? Just

you! Thank you very much. We will be back with Belgium and Italy shortly

but the Irish have drawn 1-1 against a team who never had a shot on

target. Goodbye. A little flick towards the far post.

He completely missed it. Hendrick goes for gold! Hoolahan! Oh yes!

Ibrahimovic put it back and it might have been an own goal. Ireland could

not get the win. It's home to a million people

at any one time...